Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1887-11-12


Major Henderson was glad to avail him
self of the offer, as current literature was
rather difficult to procure in so out-of-the-
way place.
After little further conversation Mr.
Browne was asked if he would care to join
the uncle and niece in their morning ram
bic. Again he would be only too pleased.
When the trio had gone some distance,
Major Anderson, wishing to enjoy quiet
halfhour read, suggested that he should
sit down and rest little, while Maude
conducted Mr.. Browne to spot close by
whence good view OF Snowdon could be
obtained.
II would fain, like you, rest while"
replied Mr.. Browne; shut as the day is
so unusually clear | feel / must make an
effort to take advantage of it, especially as
this young lady has so kindly consented to
act as my guide" And so Mr.. Browne
hobbled of, with Maude walking patiently
beside him.
As soon as the trees had hidden the low
ers from view Jack drew Maude to him,
while she, half laughing and half crying,
stroked his long gray beard.
"Oh, Jack, whatever made you come
like this? What do you intend to do?"
This, my sweetest :" and the bold lover
drew from his pocket marriage license
and wedding ring. Half playfully the gal
liant Lieutenant removed Maude's glove
and slipped on the ring. "What dear
little hand it looksp' he cried rapturously.
"and how happy l shall be when l cali
Its dear owner my sweet little wife,"
A slight sound fell on their ears, and
looking up they beheld Major Henderson
not a hundred yards off.
Maude would have been grateful to the
earth had it opened at that moment to re-
ceive her, but as it showed no signs of ac-
commodating her, she disengaged herself
from Mr.. Brownies embrace and hastily
handed him back his ring.
Mr. Browne was equal to the occasion.
although he had grave misgivings, as he
hobbled toward Major Henderson. dWere
you fastening to join US? You see we
haven't got far. | am wretched walker
at the best of times; and in such scenery
as this, enc feels forced to pause frequently
to look around"
" | expected to meet you coming back y
explained the Major. But | was look
ing for you in that direction indicating
another path more to the right. ~ was
quite surprised when / saw YOU COMING to-
ward me-"
With what feelings of relief did the low
ers listen to the Majors innocent remarks.
AT their early dinner the Major drew
from his pocket letter which he had re-
celyed by the mornings post and had for
gotten to read. With polite Excuse
me, my dear" to his niece, he hastily
glanced at the contents. 81 must leave
for London by the II o'clock train. This
letter is of the utmost Importance. How
stupid OF me to have delayed reading it p'
Am to accompany you, uncle ?" asked
Maude family.
No, no, my DEAR there's no need for
yon 10 do that. shall be back here by the
evening of the following day"
The Major was very preoccupied until
dinner was over, but as Maude had also
much food for reflection, silence was agree
able to both.
= wonder if / could do anything for
Mr.. Browne while am in town ?" queried
the Major. any DEAR" turning to Maude.
Just write little note to him asking him
to step over for minute You know we
half promised to show him the way to
Fairy Glen this afternoon. 1 don't feel
inclined for any more walking myself; but
there Is no reason why you shouldn't ac-
company him, if you are not tired and he
Is agreeable to the arrangement"
Maude's note quickly brought Browne
and the lovers were soon on their way to
Fairy Glen.
My darling, we are in luck's way" ex-
claimed Jack. Your uncles absence will
make matters as simple as an A B C guide.
L shall have tomorrow to make the neces-
sary arrangements. We can be married
the following morning, and by the time
your uncle returns in the evening we shall
be miles away from here"
Maude acquiesced rather reluctantly.
She loved Jack dearly; but still she had
some compWnction about deceiving her
uncle, who, with the exception of the I'M
accountable obstlnacy he had shown to-
ward her lover, had always heen ready to
humor her. Jack, however, drew such a
glowing picture of the happiness in store
for them, and declared with so much con-
tidence Major Henderson's anger would not
last more three weeks when once the ire
vocable step was taken, that Maude was
much comforted.
When they returned Major Henderson
pressed Mr.. Browne to spend the evening
at Honeysuckle cottage. Tea being over,
the Major asked Maude if she would mind
packing his portmanteau for him.
|" | have laid out the things | wish to
take, my dear. You will fit them in more
neatly than could"
Maude was delighted to have an oppor-
tunity of doing at last little kindly act.
Directly she left the room, the Major
began fdgetting about, and at length got
up and paced the room. Suddenly turn
Ing to Mr.. Browne, he said: "Compara-
tive stranger as you are to me, feel as if
| must tell you the nature of the business
which is calling me to London so unex-
pectedly. The blow has fallen so unex-
pectedly that to speak of it would be an
immense relief"
The stranger was all sympathetic atten-
ton In moment.
"Mr. Browne" continued the Major,
excitedly. this time yesterday l believed
that poor girl up stairs to be the mistress
of fairly large fortune. To-day-if the
information | received this morning is cor
rect know her to be penniless. And
that is not all; the greater part, if not the
whole, of my income is lost also
So sympathetic was Mr. Browne that
he begged to know all the details. These.
however, the Major was unable to furnish
in fact, he could explain nothing satisfact-
orily, so great was the state of excitement
into which he had worked himself.
"HushP' he said, as he heard Maude
approaching. "Not a word to her. l
wouldn't disturb her Deaceful mind for